Tahir understands South Africa snub

Pakistan-born leg-spinner Imran Tahir has insisted he has no complaints with South Africa chiefs over his botched call-up to represent his adopted country.

But he is furious with the Titans after being kept out of the South African franchise's team and is contemplating a move to the Durban-based Dolphins.

The 30-year-old Tahir was involved in a farcical call-up to the South Africa squad for the final Test against England in January.

Barely a day after his selection, the uncapped bowler was dropped because of eligibility issues as South Africa stuck with left-armer Paul Harris as their frontline spinner.

However, in an interview in March's Wisden Cricketer Magazine, Tahir said: "I understood why Cricket South Africa withdrew me. Whatever they could do for me, they did.

"I got my residency and I was selected but the ICC (International Cricket Council) rule is that I have to spend 183 days a year in South Africa for a four-year period.

"I've been doing this for three years now, so in terms of this rule, I will qualify to play for South Africa in December this year."

Tahir has spent much of the South African season playing for Easterns in the amateur three-day tournament after failing to be selected for the Titans side taking part in South Africa's domestic one-day 40 over competition.

He had arrived on the back of a successful season for Hampshire, taking 52 wickets at a shade under 33 apiece for the southern English county and cannot understand why he isn't playing for the Titans.

"This is my third season with the Titans. In the beginning I was performing so well; it is why they won so many trophies," Tahir said.

"Then they just stopped selecting me for no reason. You play so well, you are among the top three bowlers in county cricket and you carry drinks all season!," the frustrated bowler added.

"I want to ask the Titans how come I'm not playing franchise cricket this year but they don't talk to me at all, especially the coach (Chris van Noordwyk). I'm not happy with them. I'm angry.

Tahir, who has played for Pakistan A, is now pondering a move to the Dolphins when his Titans contract expires in April.

"My family is in Durban. I would like to play for the Dolphins and they have approached me but I'm not sure yet."

The much-travelled Tahir, who has also featured for Middlesex and Yorkshire, has switched counties and in the forthcoming English season will play for Midlands side Warwickshire, who are at based at Birmingham's Edgbaston ground.

"I'll be available for Warwickshire from start to finish and I want to do well for them," Tahir said.

"The wickets in England are very helpful to me," he explained. "The start of the English county season - from April to mid-May when it's cold - is the same as South Africa because it seams and swings.

"After that the ball starts spinning nicely and that's when I get my wickets."